The proposed Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Project consisted of 17 run-of-river hydroelectric facilities and associated infrastructure (transmission lines, substations, barge landing sites, and roads) in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. These proposed projects were located 90 – 170 km northeast of the community of Powell River, and situated on tributaries of the Homathko, Southgate, and Orford rivers, in addition to the Bear River — a direct tributary to Bute Inlet. Combined, these projects would have the capacity to produce enough electricity to meet the needs of 300,000 homes.
Our Role in the Project:
EDI was responsible for the aquatic baseline and associated environmental impact assessment tasks for the project. Our responsibilities included:
- Design and implementation of studies pertaining to fish distribution, life history and aquatic ecology (resident anadromous species) within project watersheds
- Environmental Protection Planning
- Implementation of radio telemetry study for resident char
- Use of DNA to describe population structure for various fish species
- Coordination and field collaboration with Homalco First Nation Technicians